Introduction to the 5th Global Access to Nutrition Index
ATNi has launched its 5th edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index, an extensive evaluation of the largest players in the food and beverage industry. This assessment reviews 30 major companies and over 52,000 products, collectively representing about 23% of the global market share. The increasing scrutiny on how food companies address nutrition and health has resulted in essential findings that are vital for both manufacturers and consumers alike.
The Stark Reality of Global Nutrition
With alarming statistics indicating that one in five deaths worldwide relates to poor dietary choices, it is evident that poor nutrition is a critical global issue. Furthermore, obesity affects one in eight adults, and staggering numbers of children—approximately 150 million—struggle with stunted growth due to malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies present a significant challenge too, with nearly one-third of women of reproductive age and half of all children ingesting inadequate nutrients.
Notable Insights from the Global Index 2024
Healthiness of Products Analyzed
The latest index highlights encouraging improvements in product healthiness. Out of 52,414 products surveyed using the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, 31% (16,467 products) met the criteria for being classified as healthier, achieving a rating of 3.5 stars or above. This carries weight, as these healthier options accounted for approximately 34% of the assessed companies' total sales in the previous year. The challenge posed to these businesses is to ensure that by 2030, at least half of their sales originate from nutritious product lines, a target only currently achieved by 30% of the companies.
Market and Income Disparities
Investigating further, the index sheds light on the disparities between different markets. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the average product healthiness score was significantly lower (mean HSR of 1.8) compared to that of high-income countries (mean HSR of 2.3). This disparity underscores the higher prevalence of less healthy products marketed in disadvantaged regions, indicating a pressing need for change that promotes better nutrition globally.
Reporting Practices and Transparency
In terms of accountability, 30% of the assessed companies have begun using internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Models to disclose the healthiness of their product portfolios. However, there remains a considerable variation in the quality, coverage, and transparency of these disclosures. Encouragingly, this trend points towards a stronger commitment to aligning with national and international reporting standards.
Marketing Practices in Focus
The marketing of unhealthy food products, particularly towards children, remains deeply concerning. No evaluated company has adopted a policy that fully prohibits directing marketing efforts towards individuals under the age of 18, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). A select few have raised their marketing age thresholds and only a pair of companies are promoting healthier products based on government-endorsed criteria. There is an urgent call for comprehensive reforms in this area.
What ATNi Urges Moving Forward
ATNi makes a direct appeal to various stakeholders:
To Companies: Voluntarily cease marketing harmful foods to children under 18, enhance the healthiness of their contributions to the market, and maintain transparency regarding sales from healthy versus unhealthy options.
To Governments: Implement regulations that foster an environment conducive to public health. This includes smart taxation policies that make healthy foods more accessible while elevating the cost of less nutritious alternatives.
To Responsible Investors: Promote accountability among food companies by investing in those that prioritize nutrition and public health, recognizing the long-term financial implications of the prevailing food landscape and the health issues tied to it.
In the words of Greg S. Garrett, Executive Director of ATNi, "Health is wealth." He emphasizes that substantial gains are necessary, noting that firms still struggle to integrate nutrition as a core element of their business strategies. The progress made is commendable, yet much more effort is required across the board.
Jessica Fanzo, a Professor of Climate and Director of the Food for Humanity Initiative at Columbia University, voiced similar sentiments. She pointed out that only 31% of the evaluated products meet health criteria, a scenario that calls for immediate remedial actions by companies to demonstrate genuine concern for public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Access to Nutrition Index?
The Global Access to Nutrition Index evaluates the healthiness of a wide range of food products from major manufacturers to assess their contribution to nutrition globally.
Why is the Index important?
This Index provides critical insights into the state of food healthiness, guiding consumers, companies, and policymakers in making informed decisions about nutrition.
What are the main findings of the 2024 Index?
The Index highlighted that while progress is evident, overall healthiness in product portfolios remains marginal, particularly in lower-income markets.
What actions does ATNi recommend for companies?
ATNi urges companies to improve product healthiness, reduce marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and increase transparency regarding their product sales.
How can consumers contribute to better nutrition?
Consumers can advocate for healthier product choices by prioritizing nutritious foods, sharing insights about product healthiness, and supporting companies that demonstrate a commitment to public health.
